Janissa Update

Janissa with some of her cousins

 

She gets into everything

She got so many gifts!!

 She's climbing now

She loves her red wagon, a special gift from Uncle Joe, Uncle Tom, Aunt Kathy and her cousins Christopher and Stephen

Not only is she eating with a spoon, she's eating vegetables with spoon!

She's still getting into everything

Aunt Kathy took her to Build-a-Bear

She made a little dog that we named "Bonga"

Taking Bonga for a run

Building a dog is tough work

Did I mention she climbs on things?

The wagon has become permanent living room decor

 

It's not easy being a toddler

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

Christmas Eve marks the 6th month since Janissa was placed in my arms.  I can't believe it - the time has just flown by.  She brings me such joy; and she makes me laugh everyday - whether she is sticking Velcro hair rollers on her head or dancing to Handel's Messiah.  She loves to sing and dance, especially in church and while we're shopping.  If she hears music she joins in!  She can now run - fast.  She has also started climbing - in the television cabinet, in the refrigerator, on the furniture, etc.  She keeps me busy.  I am so blessed to have her and I thank God every day for giving her to me.    I can't imagine living my life without my Janissa.

Thanksgiving

I have so much to be thankful for this year:

I have a God who loves me.
I became a Mom to my wonderful daughter, Janissa. 
I have the greatest family anyone could ever wish for (that includes my extended family, too).
My friends are incredibly awesome.
I have a beautiful home in a beautiful neighborhood.
My church community is so supportive.
I have been able to spend 5 wonderful months with my new daughter (due to unemployment).
Today I was offered a job with a great company.

 God is Good!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Friends

This week we drove down to San Diego to meet the Zeltin's family from Bend, Oregon.  Weredesh and Janissa were so cute together.  Janissa gave her a hug and kiss and they warmed up to each other right away.  It was great to get to know Lisa and Cory a little and to spend a few hours with them.  I can't wait until they visit San Diego again.  Here are a few photo's from our time together.

SHE DID IT

She slept through the night!!!!  7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.  ALLELUIA!!!!!!

My Baby is a Toddler

Janissa is 18 months old.  At her check-up she weighed 24 pounds and was 30 inches tall.  She has 12 teeth and talks up a storm.  She is already putting 2 and 3 words together.  She loves to sing and dance and play outside.  Now, if only I could get her to eat fruits and vegetables . . . and sleep through the night . . .

First OREO Cookie

First Trip to Disneyland with Mama and Cousin Lisa

 

 

 

 

Janissa Cuteness

I've been informed that I don't blog enough, so I thought I would post some cute pictures of my doll. Janissa got to meet some of her cousins for the first time and she especially loved Makana who was just her size. She also visited a pumpkin patch and got to trick or treat at Cresa Partners along with many other costumed kids.

 

Dear Jesus, Please help my Mommy find a job

Trip to Phoenix

Janissa and I had a great time visiting my brother in Phoenix. We also had the opportunity to meet Tracy and Sean Lowery and their new twins, Owen and Poppy in Tucson. On Sunday, Joe drove us to Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona and Jerome. We had visited Jerome when we were kids, so it was fun to go back and take pictures in the same places. We also got to spend time with the Diaz family. They adopted Josiah and Jeremiah from the same orphanage as Janissa. There was a connection between them and Janissa, so I think they must remember something. I also got to introduce Janissa to some people I used to work with. Overall it was a great and relaxing week. Janissa and her Uncle Joe love each other so much and thoroughly enjoyed their week together.

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Three Months!!!

Janissa has been home for three months. I feel like she has been with me forever. I just love her so much. She is doing so well - growing up so fast. She is a full-fledged toddler. She doesn't know it yet, but she can walk. She thinks she still needs to hold on to my fingers, but really there is no need to. She is going to take off by herself any moment now! She cries whenever I put her in the stroller because she wants to be walking around (holding on to me, of course).

I am driving to Phoenix this weekend to spend time with "Uncle Joe". On Saturday I'm driving to Tucson to meet The Lowery's and their twins, Owen & Poppy. I'm looking forward to it. I'll post about it when I return. In the meantime, here is a short video of Janissa's past month.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com